U.S.A. Manufactured Homage to Iconic "Dad Shoe" - New Balance Unveils 993 Heritage Collection
The New Balance 993, a gem from their iconic 99X family, has subtly carved out a space as a modern classic. With its chunky dad-shoe style meeting sleek sensibilities, this silhouette remains relevant decade after decade. New Balance celebrates this timeless design with the fittingly named Heritage Collection, offering a trio of earth-toned versions that remind us why this silhouette deserves its cult following.
A Pinnacle Moment
The 993 takes center stage in New Balance's legendary 99X family. First introduced as the tenth generation, it refined the formula set by its predecessors, particularly the 991 and 992. Emphasizing a minimalist approach and maximum comfort, it became iconic, much like the original 990, which boasted "990 out of 1000" to illustrate its near-perfection. In the fashion world, it gained recognition when worn consistently by tech visionary Steve Jobs, who regularly paired the shoes with his signature black turtleneck and jeans.
American Craftsmanship Takes the Lead
What truly differentiates these kicks from the sea of sneakers available lies in New Balance's celebrated "Made in USA" label, which extends beyond mere marketing. Each pair contains 70% or more domestic value, with the majority of production happening in American facilities. The Heritage Collection emphasizes this legacy with understated "USA" branding and "Heritage Collection" footbed tags, while the premium price tag reflects the top-tier quality achieved through hand-selected materials and careful construction.
Neutral Ground
The Heritage editions of the 993 boast a muted color palette, with each of the three options featuring gray upper accents and ABZORB mid-soling. Standout selections include "Reflection," a light gray reminiscent of New Balance's classic grayscale, the street-friendly "Incense" with its sophisticated beige, and my personal favorite, the earthy olive "Covert Green." Each version benefits from premium pigskin suede overlays that contrast the breathable mesh base, creating a unique texture.
Tech that Packs a Punch
Like its predecessors, the Heritage 993 is packed with innovative performance tech that makes it a comfortable daily driver. The ABZORB mid-sole cushioning offers impact absorption through both cushioning and compression resistance, while the ACTEVA cushioning provides flexible support. The outsole's heel area houses the N-durance rubber compound, enhancing durability and reducing wear. These reflective accents aren't just for show—they catch light in low-light conditions.
Technical Specs
Model: New Balance Made in USA 993 Heritage CollectionMaterials: Pig suede overlays with breathable mesh baseMidsole: ABZORB + ACTEVA cushioning technologiesOutsole: Full-length rubber with N-durance rubber heelColorways: Reflection/Gray, Incense/Gray, Covert Green/Gray
Price and Availability
The New Balance 993 Heritage Collection is currently available on New Balance's website for $200 per pair. While the long-term availability of these limited edition sneakers remains unclear, don't expect them to stick around for long, given the 993's cult status.
The New Balance 993, embodying a fusion of fashion-and-beauty and technology in its design, has been a lifestyle statement for many, echoing the influence of tech visionary Steve Jobs in the fashion world. The Heritage Collection, with its technology-packed features such as ABZORB and ACTEVA cushioning, sustains this tradition of comfort and performance, justifying the premium price tag.
Remaining true to American craftsmanship, the Heritage Collection proudly proclaims its "Made in USA" status, offering a taste of authenticity and quality that sets it apart from other sneakers. With the neutral color palette reminiscent of the classic grayscale, each sneaker in the collection showcases a unique texture, blending sleek lifestyle with a touch of sport.
